Peugeot 308 SR Range : DOING THE BUSINESS?

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The Peugeot 308 will appeal to business drivers in its SR guise. Matt Low reports.

The Peugeot 308 is available in a special, business-orientated version identifiable by its SR badge. The car features an enhanced communications package and a choice of economical engines to make the professional's journey between appointments a more profitable one.

Peugeot hopes that business drivers will be pleased to hear that the model is available in both 5-door hatchback and SW estate variants, all designed to keep the busy professional in the loop as they rack up the mileage. The brand is aiming this model squarely at the local business and contract hire and leasing markets. The added extras and choice of fuel-friendly engines in the SR should make it a big hit with executives and companies looking to kit their staff out with a fleet of business vehicles. There are three engine options for persons interested in the 308 SR to mull over. Firstly, there is the HDi 90 diesel unit that gives 90bhp and reaches a top speed of 113mph. This powerplant gets to 62mph in 14.1 seconds. After this entry-level engine there is the larger HDi 110, which reaches 62mph in 12.7 seconds and reaches 119mph. Thirdly, there is a Bioflex 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine that runs on either petrol or E85 ethanol. All three engines are available in hatchback and SW estate styles. The HDi 110 hatchback is also available with a six-speed electronically controlled gearbox which reduces its CO2 emissions to the same as the HDi90 powerplant. The HDi 110 with the EGC reaches a maximum speed of 117mph and does the standstill to 62mph in 12.5 seconds. The only downside of all the development needed to create the 308 is all the extra weight that has come along with it - all 62kgs to be exact. Which is why some of the smaller engines can feel somewhat under-powered. Still, the car always feels refined. You slip into 6th gear and forget about it. Helping in this regard is the realisation after a few hundred miles that it's hard to think of a rival that offers a more absorbent ride. All models in the 308 range inherit the taller than average roofline that the 307 used to good effect in creating a roomy and airy interior but by shaving 12mm from its height while growing in terms of both length (by 74mm) and width (by 85mm), this design achieves a far more dynamic stance than the old car. The long front overhang of the 308 adds to this impression, creating a wedge-shaped profile that brings a further sporty element to the car's shape.

"The brand is aiming this model squarely at the local business and contract hire and leasing markets.â€¦"

Those familiar with the Peugeot 207 supermini will find plenty they recognise in the 308 but the key differences on the larger car are the prominent V-shaped bonnet that extends down from the base of the A-pillars on a raised plain and the huge oblong foglights. The rear of the 308 has more of a bulbous look to it, helping to maximise luggage space that runs to 430 litres and can be extended to 1,398 litres by folding the rear seats. If you need more room, there's an SW estate version with up to 2,149 litres of space. The interior takes a sober but classy approach. It feels notably more upmarket than inside of the 307 and even more spacious. The middle section of the dash slopes down into the centre console bringing its controls closer to the driver and creating a snug cockpit effect but you sit a long way back from the base of the steeply raked windscreen with a huge expanse of dashboard to look out across. This, combined with the 308's long front overhang, may present problems when manoeuvring but the A-pillars, a constant impediment to the driver's view in the 307, appear much thinner for improved visibility. Prices range between £15,845 and £17,245. Standard equipment in the 308 SR runs to power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, a steering column adjustable for reach and rake, a CD player, passenger / driver seat height adjustment, a trip computer and electrically operated door mirrors. Where the SR differs from other trim levels in the 308 range is in its communications equipment, features that justify its £650 premium over standard `S' models. A SmartNav has been fitted alongside a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. 16-inch alloy wheels also set it apart from its 308 stablemates. Bodyshape choice currently runs between five-door hatchbacks and an SW estate version with the option of a third row of seats. The SR is available in Hurricane Grey, Nera Black, Aluminium, Thorium Grey, Aegan Blue and Babylon Red. Peugeot has armed the 308 with a wide selection of technological curiosities to help it battle the family hatchback sector's big hitters. Seven airbags are included and five-door buyers can add to this count with rear side airbags if they want to. There's also ABS with EBFD and EBA (or anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assistance in laymans' language). The family hatch sector is notoriously tough to make headway in and Peugeot will hope this generous package of added features enables the 308 SR to demonstrate some staying-power. Peugeot is proud of the fact that some of the best aerodynamics in the sector have been achieved with the 308 SR. A drag coefficient of 0.29 will mean little to most buyers but the resultant the slippery styling and fuel economy advantage should strike a chord. The HDi 90 and the HDi 110 with EGC have a combined cycle of 62.7mpg so this vehicle is not going to cost the earth to run, especially considering its CO2 emissions ranging between 120g/km to 129g/km depending on engine and style. Insurance groups range between 5 and 7. Peugeot will be hoping that the latest in the 308 series makes a big impression. The basic car's styling is already distinctive and in the engine room is a selection of proven units that will appeal to long-distance drivers. The added bonus in the SR of satellite navigation and Bluetooth compatibility should prove a big hit with the business community.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Peugeot 308 SR
PRICES: £15,845-£17,245 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 120-129g/km
PERFORMANCE: [HDi 110] 0-60mph 12.7s/ Max Speed 119mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [HDi 90 ] (urban) 48.7mpg / (extra urban) 74.3mpg / (combined) 62.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: seven airbags / ABS and EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Height mm 4276/1815/1498